Technology is not a substitute for human connection.
Don’t get me wrong, it is incredibly helpful and an important part of our lives, but the amount of time we spend attached to our phones and computers is hurting our need to connect to other humans in a real, authentic way.
Spending all day on Zoom calls while working from home is convenient and comfortable, but we are missing important, real-life interactions with our co-workers.
While very fun and entertaining, scrolling social media and sending your friends memes and reels is not the same as meeting them for coffee or even just picking up the phone and calling them.
Hitting your peloton for a group ride definitely checks the exercise box, but it does not check your very important social one.
On the surface, it appears as though we “interact” with people all day long, but it is not a real, authentic connection. And that is a big problem.
What is a Third Place?
In the 1980s, sociologist Ray Oldenburg extensively researched the idea of a “third place.” Third places are informal gathering spots outside of home and work for people to spend time together socially. He found that these places have been an important aspect of societies for thousands of years, and they are an important part of making cultures vibrant and cohesive.
After home and work, think of third places as your place of worship, the library, community center, parks, playing pickleball, and yes, even your gym.
This is a safe place for you to connect IRL (in real life) with other people other than your family and coworkers who know you, support you, and reach out to you when they haven’t seen you for a bit of time.
According to research done more recently, people spending this critical time at a “third place” is diminishing at a rapid rate with the creep of work, technology, and other obligations.
These long hours of work and the tendency to spend our free time with our faces staring at a screen is causing people to lose the incredibly important human connection.
Third places play a vital role in fostering community, building social connections, and improving our overall well-being. The bottom line is that too many Americans today don’t have one.
Why We All Need a Third Place
At this point, you may be wondering, why the heck am I writing about this in a gym blog?!?
Well, as it turns out, gyms are one of the most positive places you can identify as your “third place” as long as you find one that is the right fit for you. So read on to discover why third places are so important to your emotional health and why gyms check all the boxes!
Third places are essential for our social, emotional, and mental health. They provide a vital space for us to connect with others, build community, and simply enjoy life. Third places are crucial for our well-being for several reasons:
- Combating Loneliness: In our increasingly isolated world, third places provide opportunities for social interaction and connection. They help us combat loneliness and build meaningful relationships.
- Building Community: These spaces bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and community within neighborhoods.
- Reducing Stress: Engaging in social interaction and relaxing in a comfortable environment can help reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being.
- Enhancing Creativity: The informal and relaxed atmosphere of third places can stimulate creativity and spark new ideas.
- Improving Quality of Life: By providing opportunities for social interaction, relaxation, and community engagement, third places contribute to a higher quality of life for individuals and the community as a whole.
Your Gym is a Perfect Third Place
Here’s why gyms are such perfect third places:
- Away from Home and Work: The gym is separate from the stresses of work and the responsibilities of home, allowing our members to be engaged with each other for the hour we spend together.
- Regularly Frequented: Members develop consistent routines, making it a place they visit often on a regular schedule.
- Focus on Social Interaction: While the primary goal is fitness, the right gym also prides itself on positive social interaction and community.
- Opportunity for Togetherness Outside of the Gym: In addition to the training you do, often gyms will host social events to get together for community building. Think of socials, community service activities, and special-themed workouts. At Telos, we love to host trivia nights, pickleball tournaments, and community give-back events like our annual blood drive.
By cultivating a welcoming and inclusive environment, gyms can become valuable third places for their members, providing not only physical benefits but also social and emotional support.
At Telos, our members report that the gym is their favorite place to be outside of their home and work because everyone is so kind and welcoming, and they also get a great workout every time they come. If we don’t see someone for a week or two, we let them know they are missed with a text, phone call, or even a selfie of their other group members!
We pride ourselves on helping our community improve their physical fitness while also their very important mental health.
As you finish reading this, do a quick check-in. Do you have a “third place” that provides safety, connection, and community outside of your home and work? A place where you can go to be your authentic self and leave feeling with your cup full?
If not, here’s your sign to find one. It’s that important to your emotional health.